Kareena Kapoor Opens Up About Working On Her Periods And Offers Support To Those Petitioning For Period-Leave
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Kareena Kapoor Khan isn’t one to mince words. She is known for not shying away from discussing heavy topics and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, even if it lands her in controversies with others (hint Priyanka). The Tashan actress, who is expecting her second child with husband, Saif Ali Khan, opened up about her own personal experiences while working during her period and how she supports women who need an extra day of leave during their period. The topic has been a hot debate with many major companies and organizations pushing to include more women in the workforce and make the environment a safe and comfortable space for them. Many countries are taking up policies to make certain rules related to period leave and certain companies are debating doing it. Kareena herself has won immense praise over the years for juggling motherhood as well as an impressive career. Here’s what working during her period was like for Kareena and her take on the concept of “period leave”:
“Every Woman’s Body Is Different”
During an interview with a popular news site, Kareena was quizzed on her opinion about period leave. Kareena didn’t hold back and gave an extremely candid and rational answer. The actress spoke about how every woman’s body was unique and everyone has a different pain threshold. She added that some women experience extreme discomfort and pain in their lower back as well as period cramps. Kareena stated that every company should respect this and understand if a woman can’t come into work on that day.
Following this honest reply, Kareena narrated her own experiences while working during her period. She spoke about how she could not have performed in certain songs while she was on her period and stated that directors and production houses would understand this and not push her to work extra hard. Kareena added that periods were natural and that women should do what is best for them and their own health.
Although Kareena is expecting her second child, her work is keeping her on her toes. Kareena, who is a self confessed workaholic has joked about how she cannot keep still and has to constantly be working on a new project. The to-be-mother enjoys working even when she is pregnant. She has spoken about how she tries to take on everything that she can in order to keep herself busy. She spoke about how she was shooting her film with Aamir Khan, Laal Singh Chaddha. The film is based on the popular Tom Hanks starring Hollywood film, Forrest Gump. She stated that nobody had expected the pandemic to occur and that she hadn’t signed any new films after Laal Singh Chaddha. Looks like the timing was perfect and Kareena was able to take a break from acting to focus on her pregnancy. However, she did not let pregnancy stop her from working in ads and continuing to run her show, What Women Want.
On Being A Working Mother
Kareena hushed haters who criticized and mommy shamed her for working during her pregnancy by stating that pregnancy isn’t an illness and that with all the necessary precautions, it was fine to go back to work. In reference to her family’s concerns, Kareena said, “Of course, my parents and all always say that I can’t sit at home. I’ve ants in my pants. But I just enjoy working.” Kareena is extremely proud of her working mother status and says that her husband Saif is extremely proud of her and supports her career aspirations wholeheartedly. Kareena spoke about how it comes from his own liberal upbringing and him growing up around a working mother as well as a working sister. Kareena stated that Saif gives everyone the space and freedom to do whatever they want and make their own choices. In regards to Saif, Kareena said, “I think a happy woman is the one who is doing what she loves the most. I am glad that he understands that, and I believe that it comes from his mother.”
Kareena has often shown glimpses of her wonderfully blended family on her Instagram page. The actress had sworn away from social media for a very long period of time but shocked fans when she made her Instagram debut in March earlier this year. Kareena’s Instagram page is a curated and aesthetic glimpse into the world of Poo and she has already surmassed a massive following of 5.3 million. Kareena often shares adorable family pictures with her son Taimur and her husband Saif. Her step-children, Ibrahim and Sara are often spotted on her page as well and we absolutely love the adorable relationship they all share.
In the end, period leave should be debated by those it directly affects— women. It’s wonderful to see major actresses like Kareena speak about their experiences and break taboos. We need more people to do the same. Tell us what your thoughts on “period leave” are in the comments section below.
